As the Reform UK conference commenced at the touted 10am start on Friday in Birmingham, a biblical surge of attendees was seen, though the party’s esteemed leader, Nigel Farage, was yet to make his appearance at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC). It wouldn’t be till a further two hours that he’d arrive.
Farage, at the helm of Reform during the UK elections in July, guided the party into the House of Commons, resulting in a breakthrough despite not securing an overwhelming victory. The party won five precious seats, marking a significant moment for the party known for its hard stance on immigration. This poured an exhilarating essence into Friday’s post-election gathering.
The party claimed that the Birmingham event attracted a whooping 4,000 attendees which felt considerably more lively than the Liberal Democrats’ conference held the week before. Given the extensive lines at the NEC’s cuisine facilities (serving a choice of two kebabs), the party’s high turnout claim didn’t seem exaggeratory. The figure of party membership was also reported to have reached 80,000, offering strong competition in size to the Lib Dems.
The Lib Dems, only a week back, celebrated a record-winning 72 seats secured with a vote count lesser than that of Reform, giving Farage confidence in his growing political movement having room for further expansion.
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Regular protocol at any party conference has always been to have separate rules for the common folk and the upper crust; Reform is no different despite its anti-establishment stance. At NEC, holders of platinum tickets (priced at a staggering £1,025) could enter via the exclusive Lakeside entrance, thus avoiding queues, while regular attendees had to endure lengthy lines at the exterior.
Anticipation was in the air as the mass of spectators eagerly awaited their champion Farage amidst the allure of other renowned personalities. Jim Davidson, a comedian, renowned for his hosting duties on the 90’s televised snooker game show, Big Break, was amongst those who made an entrance via the prestigious platinum entranceway. His muscular associate, likely a bodyguard – because Davidson, due to his political standpoints, is not popular across the board in the UK – was disgruntled about undergoing security checks. Yet, Davidson was unfazed. Upon entering, he inquired about the whereabouts of the Smirnoff bar.
The NEC venue was almost filled to the brim as formalities commenced at midday. The spectators were primarily, but not strictly, older, predominantly white individuals who were more presentable when compared to the rougher attendees seen at its previous pre-election gatherings. The planners of the NEC event enforced a dress code and a 4ft-high fence was installed to separate the crowd from the stage, as a safety measure against potential troublemakers.
Celebrated and staunch orators like the novel Member of Parliament James McMurdock and veteran political figure Ann Widdecombe engaged the audience with speeches packed with strong anti-immigration sentiments. Lee Anderson, a defector from the Tories and now an MP, was also well received among the crowd.
Prominent in the main hall during the break was Joseph Afrane, a Ghanian immigrant dressed flamboyantly in a flag inspired outfit of St George and Union Jack sunglasses. Afrane, who works grueling 14-hour shifts as a security guard, switched allegiances to Reform during the Brexit transition. Once associated with Labour, he now held British citizenship.
“This nation has shown me immense kindness,” he expressed, “And I am compelled to reciprocate. Immigrants are welcome here, as long as they respect the laws.”
The 37-year-old, Scottish-born millionaire Zia Yusuf, having Sri Lankan origins and now the financer and chairman of the Reform, delivered an optimistic discourse about the party’s progress and readiness for the subsequent elections, also subtly dropping the idea of a possible “Prime Minister Farage”.
Then, it was time for the man himself.
Farage delegated the fiery discussions on immigration to others and directed his focus towards his plans to streamline the party in preparation for the forthcoming elections. As the party was about to vote on a new constitution, Farage ignited the room with his declaration of the party’s maturity.
“This weekend signifies the coming of age for Reform,” announced Farage, who fully believes that the Reform party represents UK’s “unheard, upright majority”. The room exploded in response.
Undeniably, Reform intends to amplify its influence in the forthcoming years.